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Gibson Mhaka
PUBLIC drinking has become a menace in Pumula East suburb due to a lack of entertainment options in the area, according to the latest Bulawayo City Council (BCC) meeting minutes.
This came to light following an application by Mayibongwe Ndlovu to the local authority, to establish a sports bar at Pumula East Shopping Centre in which he cited research indicating that there was a problem with public drinking in the suburb, due to limited entertainment options.
In his application, Ndlovu suggested that a sports bar could provide a more controlled and social alternative to public drinking. The minutes partly read: “Council had in recent years removed its monopoly on liquor outlets by permitting privately owned bottle stores and sports bars to operate in the city. This has contributed positively to the liquor sector as it has led to wide choices of facilities and competition within the industry has promoted service provision.
“Pumula is a high-density residential area with a huge population. Our research in the area revealed that there is a problem with public drinking and entertainment is a bit low in the area. It is against these findings that we want to develop a sports bar, so as to curb the issue of public drinking while providing entertainment at the same time by providing television screens and snooker tables. The aim of the proposals is to justify the need for the proposed use and how the property in question can accommodate the proposed”.
Ndlovu noted the council’s efforts to discourage bottle stores, which were previously common liquor providers. He identified a need for a controlled environment selling liquor, offering entertainment and in-house services, to minimise public disruption.
“It has also been noted that locals do not have adequate areas of social entertainment, as such they mostly depend on the central business district where most of these are currently located”.
The minutes also noted that the premises have sufficient space to accommodate the proposed sports bar. This would provide a comfortable place for locals to gather and relax while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
He said there was also adequate space for public car parking at the shopping centre, to accommodate the additional traffic, likely to be generated by the sports bar. Ndlovu emphasised public health as a major concern for the sports bar. Therefore, he assured the council that maximum care would be taken to ensure clean and hygienic ablution facilities.
“By providing an indoor drinking facility, the issue of public drinkers who end up harassing the public will be dealt with, thereby promoting the public. The neighbourhood will not experience any noise from those having drinks as they will be indoors and the sports bar will be sound proofed and screened, by using tinted windows. The bar shall have a security guard who will be responsible for maintaining peace and order within the facility. Violence will strictly be condemned,” the minutes read.
He said the development of the sports bar will create employment for Pumula residents as it was intended to use local people, to reduce transport costs and to create a strong spirit of community ownership.
“The use of local residents is also a means of reducing unwanted behaviours, as everyone will know each other. Hours of business for the sports bar are to be from 11am to 10pm. As this is not a nightclub, there is no need to open until after 10pm, as it would inconvenience the neighbourhood. To conclude, the establishment of a sports bar on Stand 9273 Pumula East will benefit the community at large while improving people’s social needs, thereby contributing to their wellness,” he said.
In response, the city council stated that the applicant be granted permission to apply for special consent.
Online Reporter